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NEW EDITION 




INSTRUCTIONS AND DIAGRAMS 

FOR USING 

THE NEW COMPLETE TAILOR SYSTEM 

OF 

DRESS CUTTING. 



,) V. 




IMF'ROVED. 

A SYSTEM FOR CUTTING LADIES' MISSES' AND CHILDREN'S 

GARMENTS BY ACTUAL MEASUREMENT. 

Illustrated Books of Instruction in English, German and French. 



Copyright 1886 and 1888. 




Ilmes, 



Inventor and Proprietor, 

SPRINGFIELD, MASS. 





NEW EDITION. 




INSTRUCTIONS AND DIAGRAMS 

FOR USING 

'THE NEW COMPLETE TAILOR SYSTEM 

OK 

DRESS CUTTING. 



f 



1 













IMPROVED. 

A SYSTEM FOR CUTTING LADIES' MISSES' AND CHILDREN'S 
GARMENTS BY ACTUAL MEASUREMENT. 

Illustrated Books of Instruction in English, German and French. 



Copyright 1886an^f888. 

). S. Ilmes, 



p. O. Box 84. 



Inventor and Proprietor, 

SPRINGFIELD, MASS. 



f<.^ ^ 







^^ 



PREFACE. 

This work is intended to furnish the learner with instruc- 
tions in that art of Dress Cutting, and more especially the appli- 
cation to practical cutting. The chief object of the author has 
been to construct a system by actual measurements, and at the 
same time combine simplicity with accuracy. The principles are 
presented in the simplest manner by descriptions and illustrated 
diagrams, from which it can be easily learned by anyone, so 
that by practice and correct measures, any lady can cut perfect 

fitting garments. 

Yours Respectfully, 

B. S ELMES. 

P. S. — The latest edition of the system has been thoroughly 
revised and improved. Extra books 35 cents. 

B. S. ELMES, 

INVENTOR AND PROPRIETOR, 

P. O. Box 84. Springfield, Mass. 



n f\ \0-^^^ U. 



INSTRUCTIONS AND DIAGRAMS FOR DRAFTING. 



DIRECTIONS FOR TAKING MEASURES 

First. — The bust measure : The tape line is brought over 
the fullest part of the bust, and close under the arms, and 
raise the tape line a little in the back, about to the center of the 
shoulder blades, and draw as tight as the garment is desired. 
For example this is 34 inches. 

Second. — The waist measure is taken as tight as the garment 
is desired. For example this is 34 inches. 

Third. — The length of waist under arms taken from the 
under arm seam to the hip. For example this is 8 inches. 

These measures are best tal:en slandinfj at the person s back. 

These are all the measures that are required thus far in draft- 
ing for a good form. 



DIRECTIONS FOR DRAFTING A BASQUE. 

Use for measures those taken for example. Bust 34, waist 24, 
Length of waist under arm 8. For the front fold the goods 
1 1 inches for hem. Then place the front of system oven with 
the edge of hem, and 36 scale II, at the top edge of paper or 
lining, this is for seam on the shoulder. Now follow the differ- 
ent scales represented by the Roman numerals in order, and dot 
at 34 in scales I and II for the neck, then dot at 34 in scale III 
at C for medium length of shoulder in this draft. [The lengths 
A and B are short French shoulders, C is a medium, D and E 
are long shoulders. From the scale you can design any length 
of shoulder.] 

Next under medium chest dot at 34 in scale IV for arm's eye. 
[The full chest is only used for an extreme full broad chest, when 
the bust measure is 42 inches or more and when used in such a 
case you will need to go over an extra size in scale Y, for exam- 
ple to 44 and take up 1\ inches in the under arm dart at arm's 
eye, and when the side form in back is drafted, dot at 40 in 
scales XII and XIII ; now you have 42 bust and full chest.] 



4 INSTRUCTIONS AND DIAGRAMS FOR DRAFTING. 

Next dot at 34 in scale V, then dot at 34 in scale YI, on the 
line 8 for length of waist under arm. Now in the scales of VII 
and YlII dot each side of the Dart Space at 8, for space between 
darts. Next take the waist measure from the biist measure and 
with the difference refer to table on system for width of darts. 
Fo7' example 34 less 24 equals 10, and on system at 10 difference 
in dart table you find the width of front dart 1^ inches front 
from dart space locate a dot. The back dart 2 inches back from 
the dart space locate a dot. Then locate the top of the darts 
as indicated on the systems. 

For large figures, the system should be moved back |- inch or 
more from edge of hem before the darts are put in as it will 




1 11-4 5 5 3 

DIAGRAM OF FRONT. No 1. 

o-ive a better outline to the form to not have the darts too near 
the front, especially if the darts are deep, like 2 inch front and 
2|^ or 3 inches back dart. 

The under arm dart is put in after the outline is drafted. 

Now move the system, placing it so as to draft the neck by 
the neck, the shoulder by the shoulder, using the medium, or 
hollow, or full shoulder as you think the figure requires. To 
draft the arm's eye place the system so that the arrow on system 
points to the dot in the arm's eye, draft from the shoulder dot, 



INSTRUCTIONS AND DIAGRAMS FOR DRAFTING. 5 

and if the system has to be rotated in order to meet the dot at 
back of arm's eye for point of under arm seam, still keep the 
arrow pointing nearly at the dot. Of course you will see that 
in drafting for all sizes it can not be kept pointing directly at 
the dot but very nearly so. 

Draft the length of waist under arm from point to dot by 
the corresponding part of system. 

Next draft the waist line by placing the system so that the 
angle at figure 9 on the waist line of the system comes to the 
back dot of the back dart, draw the waist line over the hip, 



34 34 





DIAGRAM OF BACK. No. 2. 

square the system with line of dots for darts and finish waist 
line in front. From point of dart rule draft the darts above 
the waist line. [But for figures and Misses that are full at the 
pit of stomach, draft the darts from a point about 2 inches from 
point of rule.] To put in the under arm dart measure from the 
dot at arm's eye to dot at point of under arm seam, and locate a 



INSTRUCTIONS AND DIAGRAMS FOR DRAFTING. 



dot in the center on the line, then measure 1 inch front and 
locate another dot, for width of under arm dart at arm's eye. 
By referring to the dart table on system, when we have 10 
inches difference, we find the under arm dart given as 2 inches. 
Now measure the waist line from back dart to under arm seam 




DIAGRAM No. 3. 

and locate a dot in the center and as the under arm dart was 
given as 3 inches, locate a dot 1 inch back and 1 inch front from 
the center dot on waist line for width of under arm dart. From 
the point X on dart rule, placed at dots at arm's eye for tlie 
dart, draft to the dots on the waist line with an outward curve. 
(See diagram No. 1.) 



INSTRUCTIONS AND DIAGRAMS FOR DRAFTING. 



To finish the skirt of the bas»[ue, measure straight down from 
back dot on the waist line (or under arm seam) 5 inches, or the 
length required and locate dot, from this dot measure back 
2^ inches and dot for spring on the hip for a slender figure, 3 
inches for a medium and 3^ inches for figures with very large 

34 34 





DIAGRAM No. 4. 

hips. Now from the point on dart rule draft the hip line 
with an outward curve to the dot located for spring on the hip. 
To finish the under arm dart below the waist line, place the 
•dart rule with the figures at the center dot of under arm dart 
on the waist line, with the edge of dart rule parallel with the 
back line of under arm dart ; thus leaving a space througli the 



8 INSTRUCTIONS AND DIAGRAMS FOR DRAFTING. 

under arm dart equal to that from the center dot to the back 
line of under arm dart, and locate a dot 5 inches below waist 
line for the bottom of the under arm dart, now draft the hip 
line from the point with an inward curve. 

To draft the front dart measure straight down on the hem 7 
inches for length of basque below waist line. Then from this 
point on the hem measure back 2| inches and dot, place the 
edge of dart rule with the point X opposite the first dot of front 
dart and draft to the dot at the bottom. Next measure 1 inch 
back and dot for width of front dart at bottom. Place the op- 
posite edge of dart rule with the point X opposite the back dot 
of front dart, and draft to the dot at the bottom, from this dot 
measure back If inches and dot for space between darts at the 
bottom of basque. Now measure back 1;^ inches and dot for 
width of back dart at the bottom, place the dart rule the same 
as on front dart and draft the lines. [These directions are for 
medium figures. Diagram No. 1 gives a little more fullness in 
the skirt of the basque for a figure with large abdomen. To 
shape off a pointed basque, short on the hip, draw from tlie 
back of side form, using the desired length on hip also for point 
in front.] 



TO DRAFT THE BACK. 

Place the system on the goods or paper so that the edge of the 
system will leave room for a seam at the back of the neck, and 
spring in at the waist line 1^ inches. Now dot at 34 in the scales 
IX and X, also 34 C, scale XI, for a medium length shoulder. 

If shorter or longer shoulders are wanted use the scales to suit 
the demands. Then dot at 34, scale XII, for back of arm's eye 
and follow down the side form seam in the line 22 to length of 
waist 8 and dot. Also dot opposite in the center of the back. 
The line 33 is a medium, 20 is for slender figures, 24 and 26 are 
for large figures. You should strive to give the best proportion- 
ed outline for the figure for whom you are cutting. 

Draft the back line first by the system, also back of neck, 
shoulders and back of arm's eye, by the corresponding parts of 
the system. Draft the side form seam from the curved point of* 
side form placed at the dot at the back of arm's eye, to the dot 
at waist line. 



INSTRUCTIONS AND DIAGRAMS FOR DRAFTING. 9 

To finish below the waist line, use the dart rule from the star 
and draw a line 7 inches for length with required sjariug for the 
seam in the center of back. Measure 4 inches for width at bot- 
tom and dot, from opposite the star draft to the dot at the 
bottom. This is for a medium size 34, but for slender figures 




DIAGRAM No. 5. 



decrease by ^ inch to a size down to size 30, and for sizes above 
34 increase by \ of an inch. 

Dotted lines in Diagram No. 2 represent box pleates, which 
are 4| or 5 inches deep from the center of back, and side form 



INSTRUCTIONS AND DIAGRAMS FOR DRAFTING. 



seams each way. To draft the side form, place the system on 
so that the grain of the goods or paper is nearly straight at the 
waist line, and dot at 34, scales XII and XIII ; also 34, scale 
XIV, at 8 length of waist under arm and at 22 on the line of 8 
for side form seam, then with the system draft by the back of 




34 




DIAGRAM No. 6. 



the arm's eye, and length of waist under arm, draft the side 
form seam by side form from the curved point to the dot at the 
waist line. Now place the star on dart rule at the dot of side 
form seam at the waist line, and the point of the rule at the 



INSTRUCTIONS AND DIAGRAMS FOR DRAFTING. 



center of side form, from the star at the dot draw a line 7 inches 
for length below waist line. Now measure the side form at the 
waist line and we find it 2-|- inclies, double this measure at the 
waist line for the bottom," at 7 inches from the waist line for 
length, and dot at 5 inches for width at bottom. From the 
point on dart rule, draft the hip line with an outward curve, 
to the dot at the bottom and the back is drafted. Kefer to 
Diagram No. 2. 

To draft a wrapper, use the same principle as taught from 
Diagrams No. 1 and 2, use two darts or one as represented in 





DIAGRAM No. 7. DIAGRAM No. 8. 

Diagram No. 3. For proportions refer to figures at the bottom 
of Diagrams Nos. 3 and 4. 

SHORT WALKING JACKETS AND SACQUES. 

These are usually drafted with one dart. Using the same 
general principle only in half fitting garments, when we have 
10 inches for taper make the single dart 2 inches, and the under 
arm dart 2^ inches. The measures are taken one size larger 
than for a tight fitting dress. 

NEWMARKETS AND ULSTERS. 

To draft these garments use the same general principles as 
taught in Diagrams Nos. 3 and 5 for front, and Nos. 4 and 
represent back with box-pleats and proportions of side form, 
which is cut the desired length. 

CORSET COVER AND MOTHER HUBBARD YOKE. 

Diagrams 7 and 8 represent the corset cover with one dart ; 
you can use two darts if desired, also the French hack. The 
dotted line represents Motlier Hubbard Yoke. 



INSTRUCTIONS AND DIAGRAMS FOR DRAFTING. 



DIRECTIONS FOR DRAFTING SLEEVES. 



Measure the length of arm on the 
inside ; and for example this measure 
is 17 inches ; then pass the tape line 
around the arm's eye over the point of 
shoulder, and for example this mea- 
sure is 15 inches. 

Measure the hand at the base of the 
thumb for size at wrist ; and for ex- 
ample this measure is 8 inches. To 
draft a skeleton sleeve, place the sys- 
tem on the goods or paper with the row 
of perforation at the top straight with 
the grain of the goods. By the front 
edge of the sleeve system draft from 17 
to 17 for the length on the inside. For 
the wrist dot at 8 on the line 17 for 
outside part ; count 2 less and dot at 6 
for the underpart. For the arm's eye 
follow the line 17 over to size 15 and 
dot for outside part, for the under part count 4 less and 1 above 
and dot on line 11. Place the outside edge of the sleeve system 
with 17 in the margin opposite the outside dot at wrist, and the 
outside edge at the outside dot at the arm's eye, then draft from 
the dot at the arm's eye to the dot at the wrist. Use the same 
to draft the underpart from arm's eye to wrist, and draft the 
line at wrist. To draft the curve over the point of shoulder keep 
the row of perforations straight with the grain of the goods, and 
move the system down until you can see the top of the inside 
and outside lines, then draft the curve. To curve the under part 
of sleeve reverse the system, and place A at the top of inside 
seam and draft to dot 11. Now to change to a curved sleeve for 
a thin arm, place the system 1^ inches from the top at dot 15 
and draft to the elbow. Use the same for the underpart, curve 
the underpart when only one curve is required. 




( Length, 17 inches. 
Formula -] Arm's Eye, 15 — 4= 
( Wrist, 8—2=6. 



11. 



INSTRUCTIONS AND DIAGRAMS FOR DRAFTING. 



13 




SLEEVE WITH GATHERED ELBOW. 

Place the system the same as for a 
18 skeleton sleeve and use this for a basis 
for all sleeves. This is drafted by add- 
ing 1 on to the size of wrist for the out- 
side part, and take 1 from the under- 
part. For example, size of wrist 8+1= 
9, underpart 6 — 1=5. 

At the arm's eye add 3 spaces to the 
size and dot 1 below for outside part, 
and take 3 from the underpart and dot 
on the line of length. 

For example, size of arm's eye, 15+3 
=18. Underpart, 11—3=8. It is 
drafted the same as the skeleton sleeve 
after the dots are located, and gathers 
at elbow. 

Formula ( Length, 17 inches. 

of ] Arm's Eye, 15+3=18. 

outside part (Wrist, 8+1=9. 
Formula ( Length, 17 inches. 

of ] Arm's Eye, 1.5+3 = 18—10=8. 

under part ( Wrist, 8+1=9—4=5. 



FRENCH SLEEVE. 

Place the system and draft the 
length on the inside of the sleeve. 
For the size of wrist 8 add 2, and 
dot at 10 on the line 17 for outside 
part ; take 2 from 6 and dot at 4 for 
under part. For the arm's eye fellow 
the line 17 over to size 15 and dot, to 
the size add 5 spaces, then 3 spaces 
below and dot on the line 20 for out- 
side part. Take 5 spaces from 11 
and 2 below and dot on the line 6 
for under part at arm's eye. Draft 
the lines from dots at arm's eye to 
the dots at wrist the same as for a 
skeleton sleeve. 

To form the curve at the arm's 
eye, place the back point at the dot 
20 and draft to dot 15, finish the 
same as the skeleton sleeve. 

Formula ( Length, 17 inches, 
of } Arm's Eye, 15+5=20. 

outside part ( Wrist, 8+2=10. 
Formula ( Length, 17 inches. 

of I Arm's Eye, 15+5=20—14=6. 
under part ( Wrist, 8+2=10—6=4. 




14 



INSTRUCTIONS AND DIAGRAMS FOR DRAFTING. 



TO DRAFT A SKIRT 

Measure the length of skirt in front, fold the cambric double, 
take ^ of the waist measure. For example if the waist measure 
is 24 inches |- is G inches, with side form put in the skirt dart in 





DIAGRAM No. 12. 



DIAGRAM No. 13. 



the center, shape the top with the side form, turn the side form 
over and from the inside curve draft from top to bottom. If 
you use the average width of cambric which is 35 inches wide, 
the front when doubled is 12^- inches at bottom. See diagram 
No. 12. To draft the side gore, measure the desired length, 
take I of the waist measure and put in the dart and shape the 
same as in the front breadth, measure 15 inches wide at the bot- 
tom, turn the side form over and draft by the outside curve from 
the Avaist line to the bottom of skirt. See diagram No. 13. 

The back breadth is put in straight. This varies according to 
the fullness desired. 

Any one can draft for children as well as ladies. But in the 
outline of the back you must use your judgment and add on 



INSTRUCTIONS AND DIAGRAMS FOR DRAFTING. 15 

enough at the waist line to give an outline becoming to the 
form ; some will require 2, 4, 6, 8 and even 10 sizes at the waist 
line in the back. Draft the front and before you put in darts, 
measure the width of back at the waist line also width of the 
front at the waist line. From this measure take the waist 
measure, and put the difference into the darts as desired. 

By referring to the outline on the system the idea can be seen 
at once. 



THE TRACING WHEEL 

It saves time prevents errors and, in fact, a lady's work basket 
is not complete without a fi7ie steel tracing ivheel. 




TRACING WHEEL. 



''Fancy Tracing Wheel," fine steel, extra weight, nickel 

plate, " Cocoa Bola " handle, price, . . . $ .50 

'' Favorite Tracing Wheel," fine steel, price, . . .^5 

No. 1, Linen Tape Line Reversible, 60 inches, price, . .05 

No, 2, Linen Tape Line Reversible, 60 inches, price, . .10 

The above sent postpaid on receipt of price. 
Tracing wheels, tape lines and systems by the dozen if wanted. 
Agents teaching the system, should carry them for their own 
use and the accommodation of their customers. 



i6 INSTRUCTIONS AND DIAGRAMS FOR DRAFTING. 

RATES FOR POSTAGE. 

The system can be safely packed between two Cap Binders 
Board which protects the corners and warrants safe delivery, and 
sent by mail to any Post Office in the United States, at the 
following rates of jDostage : 

Package of 1 System, by mail, . . . ' . . I .35 
Package of 2 Systems, by mail, . . . . . .50 

Package of 6 Systems, by mail, . . . . .1.00 

Favorite Tracing Wheels, per dozen, by mail, . . .'^o 

Fancy Tracing Wheels, per dozen, extra weight, by mail, .30 

One and two-cent stamps or currency received for postage. 

I have written these rates for any who may not be near an Ex- 
press Company's Office, or those who wish to have their orders 
reach them as soon as possible by mail, I would suggest that 
you should have your orders shipped by express when you can 
and in as large quantities as possible, as the rates will be less. 

N. B. Bi'ery JVeiv Agent ordering one-half dozen Sys- 
tems OR MORE on the start is presented "with a Sample Case, 

Never wait until your last system is sold before ordering 
MORE, Positively no credit. Terms Cash. Money should he 
sent hy Post Office Money Order or Registered Letter. 

Address all orders to the Inventor and Proprietor, 

IB- 3. :e:!I-.3^e:s, 



TEISTII^vCOI^TI^^XjS 



FROM LADIES USING MY 



NEW COMPLETE TAILOR SYSTEM OF DRESS CUTTING. 

INVENTED 1886. 



Many others could be added if space permitted. 

Respectfully, B. S. Elaies. 



Springfield, Mass., Jan. 16, 1888. 
Mr. B. S. ELMES. 

Sir, — After 20 years' experience in dress making and teaching different 
systems of dress cutting, I can truthfully say that your New Complete 
Tailor System is the most rapid and perfect fitting I have ever seen. I 
can cheerfully recommend it to dress makers and ladies wishing to do 
their own dress making. For its simplicity, quickness and perfect 
FIT, I think it has no equal. — Yours truly, 

P. O. Box 84. Mrs. K. M. TAYLOR, Teacher. 



Nortuampton, Mass., Feb. 6, 1888. 
Mr. B. S. ELMES. 

Dear Sir, — I am well pleased with your system of dress cutting — so 
much so, that I recommend it to my friends. Please send me the en- 
closed order, as I wish to act as one of your salesladies for the system. — 
Yours truly, Mrs. A. S. GARDXEE. 



Springfield, Feb. 7, 1888. 
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN. 

This is to certify that I have used "The New Complete Tailor System 
of Actual Measurement" for two years, and have found it a very simple 
system to cut by, and sure of giving a perfect tit. I would recommend it 
to all who want the best system in use. Mrs. C. E. WILLARD. 

Room 32, Vernon House. 



THE FOLLOWING IS A NOTICE FROM THE SPRINGFIELD 
DAILY REPUBLICAN. 

Feb. 3, 1887. 
The first meeting of the class in dress making at the Young Woman's 
Christian Association Home on Bliss Street will be on Friday evening 
with 14 pupils. " The Elmes System," whose manufacture is a Spring- 
field industry, will be used. 



Springfield, Mass., Feb. 1. 1887. 
Mr. B. S. ELMES, 

Dear Sir, — The committee appointed to take charge of the class in 
dress makinp;, at the Woman's Christian Association Home of Spring- 
field, have decided to adopt your New Complete Tailor System of Dress 
Cutting in preference to others that we have seen. 

Mrs. JAMES A. BILL, Jr., President. 



Old Orchard, Maine, Dec. 11, 1887. 
Mr. ELMES. 

Dear Sir, — I hope to teach your Tailor System again this vrinter. I 
would like to work Portland, Me., more. I give thorough instructions, 
and that recommends the system, so that every one is satisfied. — Yours 
respectfully, Mrs. M. WESCOTT. 

P. O. Box 212. 

Fall River, Mass., Jan. 25, 1888. 
Mr. B. S. ELMES. 

Dear Sir, — I am using your "New Complete Tailor System" in my 
business, and can recommend it to ladies desirous of learning the art of 
dress making. Please forwai'd me the enclosed order. — Respectfully, 

112 Davol St. Mrs. J. COBB. 

Brightwood, Mass., Jan. 25, 1888. 
Mr. B. S. ELMES. 

Dear Sir, — For 30 years and more I have carried on the business of 
DRESS MAKING EXTENSIVELY in Louisvillc, Ky., Hartford, Conn., and 
Springfield, Mass., .and I have had opportunities to see and use a great 
many systems, but have never found any that gave the satisfaction that 
your " New Complete Tailor System " gives ; and would say to any lady 
wishing to learn the art of dress cutting, take the advice of one with ex- 
perience, and learn the New Complete Tailor System, and you will never 
regret it.— Respectfully yours, Mrs. M. A. METRIC K. 



MoNSON, Mass., Jan. 2, 1888. 
Mr. B. S. ELMES. 

Dear Sir, — A year ago I learned your New Complete System of Dress 
Cutting. Previous to that I knew nothing of the art ; since then, my 
success has been such that many of my friends have inquired who my 
dress maker was, and what system was used. My reply was that I would 
teach them for $5.00. I have taught a number who are using it with 
good success. Please send me another half dozen as soon as possible. 

Miss M. J. TAYLOR. 



Springfield, Feb. 8, 1888. 

This is an age of progression, and I find, on thoroughly testing "The 
Elmes System," that it is perfection. I have taken an agency, and will 
from this time make it my business to teach this system of cutting at my 
rooms. C. E. WALLACE. 

17 Barnes' Block. 

MiDDLEBORO, MASS. 

Mr. B. S. ELMES. 

Dear Sir, — I am using the New Complete Tailor System in my Dress 
Making Rooms, and find it just as represented — the qviickest, simplest 
and most complete method of dress cutting. It gives perfect satisfaction. 

Mrs. a. L. TINKHAM. 



TESTIMONIALS. 19 



Spkingfield, Mass., Feb. 7, 18S8. 
Mr. B. S. ELMES. 

Sir, — I have used your New Complete Tailor System more than a year. 
I have taught it at my rooms with good success. With correct measure, 
a perfect tit is the result. I have used higher priced systems, but with 
uot as good results. I would not exchange for any I have ever seen ; it 
is so rapid and easy to learn, and gives such good satisfaction. The more 
I use it the better I like it. — Respectfully yours, 

Mrs. M. GERAGHTY, Teacher. 

541 Main St. Also Fashionable Dress and Cloak Maker. 



HoLYOKE, Mass., Oct. .5, 1887. 
Mr. ELMES. 

Dear Sir, — Since June, when you taught me your System of Dress 
Cutting, I have had the best of success in cutting and htting. I think 
the work of taking orders and teaching just splendid. Please send me 
One Dozen Systems and One Dozen Fancy Tracers. Enclosed find Money 
Order for payment. — Yours truly. Miss S. McINTYRE. 

69 High Street. 

P. S. — Please send One-half Dozen French Books. 



Westfield, Mass. 
Mr. B. S. ELMES. 

Dear Sir, — I have had fifteen years' experience with dress systems, 
and can most heartily say the New Compl'ete Tailor System is the easiest 
to learn, and nearest the perfect thing of any I ever tested. 

Mrs. H. A. LOOMIS. 

Chicopee, Mass., Nov. 10, 1887. 
Mr. B. S. ELMES. 

Dear Sir, — I cannot say enough in praise of your New Complete 
Tailor System of Dress Cutting. I would not be without it for anything, 
if I could not get another. — Respectfully, 

Mrs. GEORGE WOOD. 



MiLLTOwN, Feb. 4th, 1888. 
B. S. ELMES. 

Dear Sir, — Enclose you will find post office order, please send me 
half a dozen systems and sample case. I think I can sell quite a number 
in this vicinity.— Yours, Mrs. LUCY BALCON. 

P. O. Box 437. 

P. S. — Please send by express to Calais, Me. 



Springfield, Mass. , Feb. 9, 1888. 
Mr. ELMES. 

Dear Sir, — I have used your System of Dress Cutting with perfect 
success.— Respectfully, Mrs. F. H. COLTON. 



Westfield, Mass. 
Mr. B. S. ELMES. 

Dear Sir, — I have had the best of success with your New Complete 
Tailor System of Dress Cutting. Have cut for some of the most difficult 
figures, both large and small, among my many patrons with repeated 
success. I am much more pleased by the use of your system, than by 
the previous systems that I had tested. — Respectfully, 

24 Chapel St. Mrs. C. P. GEHLE. 



TESTIMONIALS. 



New Bedford, Feb. 6, 1888. 
B. S. ELMES. 

I have used your system nearly a year, and am very much pleased with 
it. Like it better than any I have used. M. A. GIFFOKD. 



North Adams, Mass., Sept. 5, 1887. 
Mr. B. S. ELMES. 

Mv Dear Sir, — I was taught your system by one of your lady agents, 
Miss Leanor Leary, from New York. From practical work, study and 
observation I have found it the best and most simple of any that has ever 
come to my notice. Please forward, by American Express Company, one 
half dozen New Complete Tailor Systems, one dozen Fancy Tracing 
Wheels. Enclosed find money required for the above. — Respectfully, 

.50 Church St. Mrs. GEORGE S. INGALLS, Teacher. 



New Bedford, Mass. 
Mr. B. S. ELMES. 

Dear Sir,— I think your New Complete Tailor System a very good 
invention, I use it wholly in preference to four others that I have in my 
posession. I hope to be able to devote part of my time to teaching. 
Then I shall advertise for more pupils. — Yours, 

16 Fifth St. Mrs. L. J. GREENE. 

Easthampton, Mass., Feb. 6, 1887. 
B. S. ELMES. 

Dear Sir,— I have used your New Complete Tailor System of Dress 
Cutting since early last fall and am well satisfied with it. It is much 
more simple than any system I have seen before, and the patterns drafted 
from it are very good fitting. Miss M. C. SCHLEICHER. 



Springfield, Mass., July 27, 1887. 
Mr. B. S. ELMES. 

Dear Sir, — Last year I learned your New Complete Tailor System, 
and it gave such good satisfaction that during my vacation I wish to 
take several to my friends. — Yours respectfully, 

Mrs. a. E. SMITH. 
Cor. State and Maple Sts. Fashionable Dress and Cloak Maker. 



Mme. H. G. la MOTHE, Ottawa, P. Ont. 

Miss HATTIE W. TITUS, Westport, N. S. 

Miss FLORA H. WESCOTT. White Rock, Me. 

Miss LIZZIE SMITH, Mittineague, Mass. 

Mrs. a. a. CLARKE, Bellows Falls, Vt. 

Miss BESSIE BRADY, Front River, N. Y. 

Mrs. H. W. WILDER, Black Diamond, Cal. 

Miss LEANOR LEARY, Amsterdam, N. Y. 

Mrs. L. S. CLARK, Worcester, Mass. 

Miss AMELIA K. ROBBINS, New Bedford, Mass. 

Miss M. E. DALE, Hinsdale. N. H. 

Miss HELEN S. SHAW, West Gouldsborough, Me. 

Mrs. FANNIE V. DUTTON, Niantic, Conn". 

Mrs. O. GREENE, Saco, Me. 

Mrs. a. HEMPSTEAD, West Hartford, Conn. 



THE FAVORITE ADJUSTABLE DRESS AND SKIRT FORMS. 

The Form is mado in two parts, and can be quickly changed 
from one size or hight to another. Thus one form can be u'sed 
for all customers. The neck can be made large or small, tlie 
shoulders long or short, round, square or sloping ; the bust full 
or flat ; the waist long or short, large or small ; the hips large 
or small ; the skirt full or scant. 

It can be made any size. The band around the waist and hips 
is a tape measure to facilitate adjustment. It is the most dura- 
ble and compact Dress Form in the world. Nothing to get out 
of order. 





PRICE LIST. 

Complete Form, 12 lbs., $6.50 

Bust Form, 4 lbs., 3.00 

Bust Form, Iron Post and Foot, .... .S.50 

Skirt Form, Iron Post and Foot, .... 3.50 

Skirt Form, Wooden Post, Improved Foot, . . 3.00 

Full directions for use with each Form. 

Forms sent to any address upon receipt of price. 

Send money by Post Office Money Order or Eegistered Letter, 

Address all orders to B. S. ELMES, 

P. 0. Box 84, Springfield, Mass. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




DRESS MAKERS AN .""J" 957 7 e,^ 



Wlio have by ninl)itions over work broken down your health can by 

A CHANGE IN BUSINESS 

For a time, by taking orders and teaching the new 

Complete Tailor System of Dress Cutting 

Find your health benefitted and financial success. 

Illustrated 'Books of lustnictioH in English XGerman and French. 










c<£?/il. 



ALSO 

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN 

Out of employment. I will start you in a good paying business, 
quires but liltle cctpital to start at once. 



It re- 



THREE WHYg m 3yOOEg3. 

First. — Make a thorough canviiss among the Dress Makers 
and ladies everywhere. Show the system by making a drafting 
and let everyone know that it drafts on the lining. You will 
be surprised to knoAV how many ladies are looking for something 
like what you are introducing. Take their order and teach them 
at once thorouglily. This is a very satisfactory method. 

Second. — Form classes at your rooms or home, and teach by 
classes and special private lessons. 

Third. — Travel through towns and cities, and advertise to 
teacli Dress Making for a time at some hotel, or central location. 

Send stamj) for particulars to the Inventor and Proprietor, 
I have an ACADEMY OF DRESS CUTTING connected icith the 
Home Office, so that any lady who purchases the system can receive thorouyh 
mstructions. 
Address all orders to 

1. i. iLMES, 




Clark W. Bryan S: Co., Printers, Spriiigfieia, Ma 




LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 





014 061 957 7 



r'»x,>.».*i<^M D< 



